Question

How can I help my baby learn to crawl or cruise?

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My son is seven and a half months old and although he initially hated being on his tummy, can now easily flip onto his tummy from his back and doesn't mind being in that position as long as there are toys around to amuse him. He'll lay like that in the "super man" position (arms and legs up in the air) and amuse himself for some time before he gets tired. Sometimes he'll roll back onto his back, and other times he'll scream until I pick him up. He doesn't seem to have any motivation at all to crawl or to pick himself up. If a toy that he wants is out of his reach, he'll grab another toy or simply decide he's had enough of floor time and cry until the toy is either handed to him or he's picked up. How can I encourage him to move towards the things he wants? He's very curious and grabs anything within his reach. When it's out of his reach, however, laziness sets in!

Mom Answers

Hi ZinovialHStone! I know you said he gets "lazy" when things are out of his reach and just starts to cry, but you must encourage him to overcome this. As hard as it will be for you to not give in, remove all of his toys from his reach and sight, then sit a little ways infront of him with a toy and coach/coax him to you! Smile big and sound excited. Babies tend to mimic attitudes and facial expressions. Try not to give in, because that's the only way he will learn what he must do to get what he wants =)

I used to help my kids up on their hand and knees, and show them how to move their limbs back and forth to get momentum going. Both my kids were walking by 9 months. Even babies need a teacher to help them along. There's nothing wrong with encouraging them to do their best, and helping them learn so they don't have to figure everything out on their own. Humans thrive on learning. Teaching is good for kids at any age. Just keep things positive, and if they don't get it for a while, that's fine too. =)

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